DEONTAY WILDER “I STILL WANT TO BE UNDISPUTED CHAMP”
This Saturday night, all eyes will be on Deontay Wilder as he steps into the ring against Zhilei Zhang in a highly anticipated bout broadcasted live on DAZN PPV. At 38, Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) is not just fighting for victory; he's fighting for a dream—the dream of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Wilder’s career has been marked by incredible highs and some notable lows, but his ambition has never wavered. As he prepares to face Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs), Wilder knows that this fight is crucial for his journey towards unifying the heavyweight titles, which are currently held by Oleksandr Usyk. With Usyk having consolidated the four belts, the path to undisputed status has become more straightforward in theory, but Wilder's task remains daunting.
The bookmakers have Zhang pegged as the favorite, a reflection of Wilder's recent struggles in the ring. Once known for his devastating power and precision, Wilder has shown signs of decline. His last outing against Joseph Parker ended in a disappointing loss, where his inability to connect cleanly and his waning reflexes were glaringly apparent. Despite Parker standing directly in front of him, Wilder's punches often missed the mark, leading to a noticeable drop in his confidence and output.
Turning 39 in October, Wilder acknowledges that he’s nearing the twilight of his boxing career. “I don’t want to do it forever. I’m so talented in so many areas in life that I can’t put all my eggs in one basket,” Wilder confessed in an interview with Queensberry. Yet, his passion for the sport and the unfulfilled goal of becoming the undisputed champion keep him motivated. “While I’m still here, we still got titles to regain. You relive that moment all over again. I still want to be undisputed champion. That is my goal right now.”
The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be the stage for this potentially career-defining match for Wilder. The 12-round bout against Zhang is not just another fight; it’s a litmus test for Wilder’s remaining prowess and determination.
The heavyweight division is buzzing with excitement, particularly after Oleksandr Usyk's recent historic achievement. Usyk became the first undisputed champion in the four-belt era by defeating Wilder’s former rival, Tyson Fury. The Ukrainian’s victory over Fury was dramatic, nearly stopping him in the ninth round. Wilder, reflecting on that bout, felt that Usyk deserved a knockout win. “I thought it was a great fight. I was on the fence of things; I didn’t know who was going to win. I think he [Usyk] got robbed in the ninth round of a knockout for sure, gifts were given.”
As Usyk and Fury prepare for a rematch later this year, the heavyweight landscape remains dynamic and unpredictable. Wilder sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity. “The rematch, who knows, it's all about what person brings what dog to the fight. Many times we have good days and we have bad days, you just never know.”
For Wilder, Saturday’s fight is more than a comeback; it’s a battle for redemption and a step towards his ultimate goal. Whether he can reclaim his former glory and move closer to becoming the undisputed champion remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Kingdom Arena will witness a clash of wills, and Wilder’s legacy will be significantly shaped by the outcome. Tune in to DAZN PPV this Saturday, June 1st, to watch the drama unfold in what could be Wilder's final chapter in his storied career.
